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The pineal gland (also known as the pineal body [1] or epiphysis cerebri) is a small endocrine gland in the brain of most vertebrates. It produces melatonin, a serotonin-derived hormone, which modulates sleep patterns following the diurnal cycles. [2] The shape of the gland resembles a pine cone, which gives it its name. [3]
An abundance of cilia and centrioles has also been found in these Type 2 cells of the pineal gland. [7] Unique to the Type 2 is the presence of vacuoles containing 2 layers of membrane. [7] As Type 1 cells contain serotonin, Type 2 cells contain melatonin and are thought to have similar characteristics as endocrine and neuronal cells. [8]
3.1.6 Pituitary gland (HPA axis) 3.2 ... The human brain anatomical regions are ordered following standard neuroanatomy ... Pineal body (pineal gland) Habenular ...
The pineal gland is attached to the brain in this region. [7] The medial habenula (MHb) receives connections from posterior septum pellucidum and diagonal band of Broca; the lateral habenula receives afferents from the lateral hypothalamus, nucleus accumbens, internal globus pallidus, ventral pallidum, and diagonal band of Broca. [8]
The epithalamus is a tiny structure that comprises the habenular trigone, the pineal gland, and the habenular commissure. It is wired with the limbic system and basal ganglia . Species that possess a photoreceptive parapineal organ show asymmetry in the epithalamus at the habenula, to the left (dorsal).
In humans, the major endocrine glands are the thyroid, parathyroid, pituitary, pineal, and adrenal glands, and the (male) testis and (female) ovaries. The hypothalamus, pancreas, and thymus also function as endocrine glands, among other functions. (The hypothalamus and pituitary glands are organs of the neuroendocrine system.
The pineal gland starts to develop during the second month of gestation. In the average adult, the dimensions are as follow: 5-9mm in length, 1-5mm in width and 3-5mm in thickness. Its average weight is 100–180 mg. [40] The pineal gland consists of a central core made up of small lobes and a cortex that possesses a diffuse distribution of ...
The pineal gland thereby was established as an endocrine gland. As it controls other the important endocrine glands, including the so-called "master gland", the pituitary gland, it is more appropriate to refer the pineal gland as the true "master gland" of the body. [5] [6] [7]